Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) leaves bring a tropical flair to temperate landscapes, thanks to large fans of bipinnate, compound leaflets borne on upright, arching branches. These create an open, airy canopy that casts refined shade where turfgrass and flowers may flourish.

Female trees bear long, slender seed pods that create a contrasting texture when they appear among the leaves. For landscapes where the pods would be considered a nuisance rather than an ornamental feature, choose a male selection such as ‘Espresso.’

A tough performer, Kentucky Coffee Tree is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions including alkaline soils, drought, heat, cold, road salts, insects and disease. Hardiness is USDA Zone 4.